Supporting the goals and ideals of National
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Whereas ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all gynecologic
cancers;

Whereas ovarian cancer is the 5th leading cause of cancer
deaths among women in the United States;

Whereas approximately 22,000 women will be diagnosed with
ovarian cancer this year, and 15,500 will die from the disease;

Whereas these deaths are those of our mothers, sisters,
daughters, family members, and community leaders;

Whereas the mortality rate for ovarian cancer has not
significantly decreased since the ‘‘War on Cancer’’ was declared, more than 40
years ago;

Whereas all women are at risk for ovarian cancer, and 90
percent of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer do not have a family history
that puts them at higher risk;

Whereas some women, such as those with a family history of
breast or ovarian cancer, are at higher risk for developing the disease;

Whereas the Pap test is sensitive and specific to the
early detection of cervical cancer, but not to ovarian cancer;

Whereas, as of the date of agreement to this resolution,
there is no reliable early detection test for ovarian cancer;

Whereas many people are unaware that the symptoms of
ovarian cancer often include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty
eating or feeling full quickly, urinary symptoms, and several other symptoms
that are easily confused with other diseases;

Whereas, in June 2007, the first national consensus
statement on ovarian cancer symptoms was developed to provide consistency in
describing symptoms to make it easier for women to learn and remember the
symptoms;

Whereas there are known methods to reduce the risk of
ovarian cancer, including prophylactic surgery, oral contraceptives, and
breast-feeding;

Whereas, due to the lack of a reliable early detection
test, 75 percent of cases of ovarian cancer are detected at an advanced stage,
making the overall 5-year survival rate only 45 percent;

Whereas there are factors that are known to reduce the
risk for ovarian cancer and that play an important role in the prevention of
the disease;

Whereas awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer by
women and health care providers can lead to a quicker diagnosis;

Whereas, each year during the month of September, the
Ovarian Cancer National Alliance and its partner members hold a number of
events to increase public awareness of ovarian cancer; and

Whereas September 2012 should be designated as ‘‘National
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month’’ to increase the awareness of the public
regarding the cancer:

Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate supports the goals
and ideals of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.